A four-year gap was such a heavy time that even veteran entertainer Lee Hwi-jae was paralyzed by sleep paralysis. At Lee Hwi-jae's stage, where he bowed his head at 90 degrees to express apology and gratitude, fellow performers and audience members also shed tears.
On the 28th broadcast of KBS2's Immortal Songs, Lee Hwi-jae made his comeback stage on television four years after MBN's Battle in the Box. Conscious of the controversy that had heated up online from the moment the casting news was reported, he could not hide his nervousness on stage throughout.
Lee Hwi-jae began by saying, "It's been a long time, nice to see you. I'm Lee Hwi-jae," and said, "If I say I've been fine, honestly that would be a lie. Going back and forth between Korea and Canada with my children and my wife gave me a lot of time to think personally," updating the audience on his recent situation.
Regarding the many reactions poured out over his appearance, Lee Hwi-jae confessed, "After I received the casting call and an article came out, I expected it, so I texted the production staff. I said if it would cause too much trouble and become too difficult, it would be okay if I didn't come out, but the production staff kindly gave me a lot of support," revealing the mental anguish he experienced before his return.
Having chosen Choi Ho-seop's "When the years go by," he said, "It matched my situation and resonated with me, so I dared to sing it," and confessed, "I was worried. It's been a long time, and as I sang there was pressure. A few weeks ago I was surprised by sleep paralysis. I dreamed I was recording and had to speak but my mouth wouldn't open. I realized I had taken a long break from broadcasting."
Lee Hwi-jae, who said he even cried during rehearsals, said, "I was inadequate, lacking, and made mistakes, and who knows that better than the person himself? Now there's no way to turn back time, so if someone gives me something now, I thought I can only do my best with it."
Finally taking the stage, he said before starting to sing, "I am grateful and sorry, and various emotions are mixed. I thought my name would be brought up again by the broadcaster. I hope people know that this guy must have thought a lot over the past four years," and vowed, "I will sing as plainly and honestly as possible."
After he finished singing, a message saying, "Still lacking, but truly grateful to be able to stand before you again" appeared on the screen, and Lee Hwi-jae bowed deeply at 90 degrees toward the audience. Colleagues and audience members who saw this also wept and welcomed his return.
In particular, Lee Hwi-jae revealed that the day he received the casting call was a special day, which moved people. Lee Hwi-jae said, "I couldn't put it into words. I wondered if I would get another chance. Ironically, the day I received the casting call was my mother's memorial day. I thought my mother was helping me," and added, "I pray a lot every day. When I worked a lot, I didn't know the value. I really like the road to Yeouido. I love getting energy from meeting colleagues, and honestly I was so happy when I got the casting call," expressing his feelings.
However, controversy over Lee Hwi-jae's appearance continues even after the broadcast. Whether his composed confession after four years will reach the public's hearts remains to be seen.
[Photo] Broadcast screen capture
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